The NES loves metal: Wired's favourite chiptunes

As a fusion of two of my favourite things -- music and videogames -- the art of creating 8-bit "chiptunes" is something that has fascinated me for a while. Anyone who makes my favourite songs sound like they were composed for a NES game gets my respect. And my sheer adoration. And money, sex and beer if they asked nicely enough.

I've recently discovered some cracking 8-bit versions of some of my favourite songs, and by my favourite bands. These are not easy songs to create. Not just because the original songs are complex (I like challenging metal music), but also because they typically start life as instrumentally accurate MIDI interperetations of the originals, programmed note-by-note.

So below are some of my favourite recent discoveries, starting with a track by my favourite band in the world, Cradle Of Filth.

Below is an 8-bit version of The Dillinger Escape Plan's 43% Burnt -- one of the most challenging metal songs I ever learned to play on drums.

Next, an 8-bit version of Pendulum's excellent Propane Nightmares.

Below is a chiptune version of one of Cannibal Corpse's greatest songs -- and excuse the song title -- Hammer Smashed Face, as once performed on Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.

Below is a version of German death metallers Necrophagist's Stabwound.

And for good measure, here's some Lady Gaga Poker Face action rendered in 8-bit.

Learn more about chiptune at Wikipedia, or browse YouTube for "8 bit" to find your own favourites. Leave any you love in the comments!

Comments

Hi,

I thought I'd drop by and mention there are many interesting ORIGINAL NES Metal artists!